Military History Articles

There’s no way around it; history has been shaped by the outcome of innumerable wars and battles fought over everything from religion to territorial disputes to outright revenge over a perceived injustice. Learning about these conflicts is vital to understanding the world we live in today.

Our military coverage spans the ancient world through the Cold War. Discover epic medieval clashes, or fierce battles that caused entire ancient civilizations to crumble. Examine the political intricacies of sprawling conflicts like the Seven Years’ War or the War of Spanish Succession. Explore the devastation of the World Wars, or the fresh conflicts they left in their wake.

There’s also the fascinating evolution of weapons from the Stone Age through the nuclear arms race, as well as the changing military theories and strategies (or lack thereof) powering key decisions. Or you can discover a unique study of how contagious diseases have impacted the outcome of every war in America’s history, from skirmishes with Native Americans to 20th-century biological warfare. 

True stories about the people who fought these conflicts put a human face to the cost of war. You can learn about the Soviet Union’s Night Witches (an all-female regiment of fighter pilots), discover the Mapuche people’s centuries-long military resistance against the Spanish conquistadors, or read war books written by those who were actually there. Whatever draws you into military history, we’re exploring every angle of the conflicts that caused empires to rise and fall, reshaping our world in the process.

1f5ec6bb3d7e-thearchive-tag-feature.png

6 Riveting Books About the Great Soviet Nuclear War Crisis of 1983

The little-known conflict is explored in the Netflix series Turning Point.

Why the Laotian Civil War is Also Known as the “Secret War”

Untangle this complex conflict that involved global superpowers.

36 Eye-Opening Books About the Holocaust

From firsthand accounts to comprehensive studies, these books about the Holocaust examine the tragedy.

The Battle of Hastings Defined the 11th Century

Harold II and William I clashed in an epic battle.

The Poem That Launched D-Day for the French Resistance

The French Resistance listened to the BBC intently for signals. When they heard this poem, they knew D-Day was imminent.

4 Movies that Capture the Nuance of Conflict Journalism

At what cost comes the intimate knowledge of what happens in war?

This Olympic Event Is Based on Soldier Skills

The Pentathlon has evolved over time, but its military roots remain constant.

20 Indispensable Books About the Pacific Theater of World War II

If you're curious how the conflict played out in this region, you've come to the right place.

Two Civil War Soldiers Awarded Medal of Honor for Great Locomotive Chase

It was a daring mission, shrouded in secrecy, imperative for the Union's success.

A Battle Entirely Airborne: The Battle of Britain

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”